Council backsfirst phase ofnew centrallibrary project

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The County of Brant has taken the first official step toward building a new central library, approving in principle a project plan that would see work begin on site investigations, concept design and other preparatory studies before a final construction budget returns to council.

Council approved the recommendation during its July 28 meeting following an in-camera discussion related to a proposed land acquisition.

The decision authorizes $2.6 million from previously approved library and Bawcutt Centre project funding to complete Phase 1 of the project, which includes property acquisition, site analysis, environmental and technical due diligence studies, project management services and the procurement of architectural concept design. The work is targeted for completion by the first quarter of 2027. 

The proposed library would replace the current Paris branch, which was built in 1904 and no longer meets the community's operational, accessibility or space requirements. According to the report, the building faces critical system failures, significant space shortages and is unable to keep pace with the county's growing population. 

Library board chair Marilyn Sewell said the vision extends well beyond replacing an aging building.

"The one place in our community where everyone is welcome no matter who you are, where you come from or what you look like," Sewell said while describing the future branch.

"In the design phase we will ensure our new library remembers our past, reflects our present and is aspirational about tomorrow. We will honour the indigenous history of this land."

She added the facility will be designed to serve residents of all ages and abilities.

The project is expected to unfold over four phases, beginning with site selection and concept design, followed by detailed engineering and planning, construction through late 2028 and a public opening in early 2029. 

The report estimates construction and planning costs at $22.75 million, with recommended contingency and escalation funding bringing the total projected budget to about $28.3 million. However, library officials stressed council was not being asked to approve that amount.

Library CEO Kelly Bernstein described the financial figures as preliminary.

"This is a high-level budget because that reflects the stage of the process we are at."

She said the board has confidence in the estimates but expects the numbers to become more refined as concept design and technical studies are completed.

Bernstein also said the funding strategy does not rely on senior government grants.

"After research by the board there are no grants available for libraries right now. We have to be realistic and accept that grants will not be a reliable source of funding for this project."

Instead, the report anticipates funding from a combination of development charges, fundraising, debentures and other sources. 

Coun. David Miller questioned whether the project's fundraising target of $1 million was achievable.

"We do," Bernstein replied. "I couldn't stand up here and say $5 million because that is not realistic."

She said the estimate was based on community feedback and fundraising experience during planning for the former Bawcutt Centre proposal.

Miller also asked about the projected $1.5-million architectural design cost, noting the work has not yet gone to tender.

Bernstein said the architectural estimate represents the upper end of expected costs and is one of the reasons council was being asked to approve only the first phase of the project.

"We aim to come under budget," she said.

Coun. John Bell supported including professional project management in the budget, saying volunteer boards have learned from experience that major construction projects require specialized expertise.

"So whilst the library board will be owners of the project they will not hands on managers," Bell said. "That is just not the skill set we have." An updated needs assessment completed for the library board concluded the new central branch should contain at least 26,250 square feet, remain within one kilometre of downtown Paris to preserve walkability, include a minimum of 57 parking spaces and serve as a highly visible civic destination. The study also found 65 per cent of public consultation participants preferred the new library remain close to the downtown core while emphasizing accessibility, flexible programming space and room to accommodate future population growth.